Born on April 6, 1829, in Jefferson County, Indiana and was raised, and educated in the common schools. He came to Lucas county in 1855, remaining till 1861, when he enlisted in the sixth Iowa infantry, serving through the war. He was promoted to second lieutenant in 1862, then to first lieutenant in 1863, captain in 1864, and then to major in 1864. He mustered out and received his honorable discharge at Louisville, Kentucky on July 21, 1865. After his discharge, David McCoy returned to Iowa and went to the home of his brother in Monroe County, Iowa where he became engaged in raising stock. Mr. McCoy continued to farm and raise stock for many years. He owned 280 acres of land in Section 23 in Cedar Township, Lucas County. He later moved to Russell and operated a general store. In 1872-3, David Jones McCoy had the honor of representing his county in the Legislature. He helped pass a bill to appropriate money for Lucas County Courthouse and he voted for the repeal of corporal punishment. He served as Mayor of Russell and was connected to the Frank Know Ian Post Number 208, G. A. R. In 1865, he married Miss Ann M. Kells, of Monroe county. In 1872-3, he had the honor of representing his county in the Fourteenth Iowa General Assembly.